Patient Right and the Socio-Cultural Challenges to Informed Consent in Nigeria

Abstract

The notion of informed consent to medical treatment is a fundamental precept in law. It recognizes autonomy and the right to personal inviolability, irrespective of nationality, socio-economic situation and ideological orientation. A full realization of autonomy in the Nigerian legal system is severely constricted by sociological and cultural factors. Of particular concern is the impact of oppression which may arise from socialization. A sustained focus on improving patient right through informed consent without addressing the impediments posed by the social environment from which a patient operates, will nuance informed consent in Nigerian health care but may not fully realize patient autonomy. A serious commitment to respecting patient autonomy may be realized through a collective effort of the State, the medical profession, the community, and patients in order to remove the impediments to full exercise of autonomy.

Keywords: informed consent, socio-cultural challenges, patient right, autonomy, oppression, paternalism, Nigerian healthcare